A victorian shopping arcade in Cardiff has shot into the 21st Century with the installation of state-of-the-art technology

The three-storey Castle Arcade, which dates from 1887, has become 'wirelessly enabled' - allowing traders and shoppers to access the internet and download e-mails without the need for network cables.

The system means that traders could potentially work where they like on their laptops within the arcade hotspot. And every cafe in the arcade could potentially become a free internet cafe for the public, allowing those with wireless-enabled laptop can sup a coffee and browse the web.

The new network has been installed in the arcade by Cardiff-based IT networking consultancy Capital Network Solutions in conjunction with the Welsh Development Agency's @Wales Digital Media Initiative.

CNS business development director Sarah Edwards said: 'This new system will be a huge asset to the Castle Arcade and the people who work and shop in it.'